Scotland’s justice system will be downgraded from the moment we leave the European Union, according to Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson John Finnie MSP. Speaking at First Minister’s Questions this afternoon Mr Finnie highlighted that, despite assurances from the Home Office, the European Arrest Warrant will not continue to operate as it currently does, with a … Continue reading Brexit Will Erode Scotland’s Justice System From Day One

Yesterday (Wednesday 15th January) John led a Member's Debate in the Chamber ahead of World Wetland's Day 2020 on February 2nd. In his speech to MSPs John highlighted the valuable role Scotland's protected Wetlands serve in protecting biodiverse habitats across Scotland for many species and the dangers posed to them by climate change and human … Continue reading John Calls on Scottish Government to Reject Coul Links Application

John as the Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson has welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government that the Abellio’s tenure as ScotRail franchisee is to be ended. In a statement to parliament this afternoon, Cabinet Secretary Michael Matheson MSP indicated that the franchise will come to an end in 2022, and will not be ‘rebased’. Commenting … Continue reading John Welcomes End Of Abellio Tenure of Scotrail

The inquiry into the death of Sheku Bayoh must have the power to summon witnesses, John has said, responding to the announcement as Scottish Green justice spokesperson. Responding to a Ministerial Statement laying out the proposals for a “full and public” inquiry, Finnie said key individuals such as former Chief Constable Sir Stephen House should … Continue reading Sheku Bayoh Inquiry Must Have Power to Call Witnesses

John Member’s Bill on giving children in Scotland equal protection from assaults has been granted Royal Assent on November 7th becoming an Act; this follows last month’s passage by the Scottish Parliament. The Act which was supported by an overwhelming majority of the Scottish Parliament means that children in Scotland will soon be given the … Continue reading Equal Protection Bill Granted Royal Assent

The Scottish Government must urgently review its private prison expenditure after the Chief Executive of the Scottish Prison Service, Colin McConnell, confirmed that inflation uplifts built into these contracts result in cuts to the overall prison budget, according to John the Scottish Greens Justice Spokesperson . Colin McConnell made the statement at Hoylrood’s Justice Committee … Continue reading John Calls for End of Private Prisons

Parliament takes historic and courageous step MSPs have taken the historic decision to back John's Equal Protection Bill yesterday evening, meaning that children in Scotland will soon be given the same legal protection from assault that adults currently enjoy. After the debate John said: “I am absolutely delighted that the Scottish Parliament has taken this … Continue reading Equal Protection Passes

The Scottish Parliament will have the chance to show courageous leadership this evening when it votes on a bill to give children the same legal protection from assault that adults currently enjoy, according to John. John is the member in charge of the Children (Equal Protection from Assault) (Scotland) Bill, which will face its final … Continue reading John’s Member’s ll is a chance for MSPs to show leadership

The Islands Minister has been accused of ripping up a fair work agreement signed by the Scottish Government less than a year ago after he named Serco as the preferred bidder for a lifeline ferry contract. John, the Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson challenged Mr Wheelhouse in parliament this afternoon (24 Sep), after the Scottish Government … Continue reading John Condemns Disreputable Serco Ferry Contract

As you’ll know I do frequent columns for local papers across the Highlands and Islands. During the summer I submitted this article for one such column, but its publication was declined. The ferries linking Orkney to the rest of Scotland are unquestionably lifeline services. They connect the island to the rest of the country and … Continue reading Northern Isles Ferries